Calls for reform were issued at a just concluded meeting attended by Chinese football club leaders and officials from the Chinese Football Association. 
 
Xu Ming, owner of the Dalian Shide club, said after the meeting that the clubs share the same interests with the Chinese Football Association regarding the reform.

"As the governing body of Chinese football, the CFA has been aware of the current situation and thinking of deepening the reform. The clubs hold identical views with the CFA in this aspect. We hope the CFA supports our proposals about the reform, and play a leading role in it, " said Xu.

Xu Ming said the clubs have also signed a written proposal on convening a conference for club investors in the days to come.

The CFA convened a long-awaited executive committee conference in Beijing on Monday at the request of Beijing Guoan club, which threatened a walkout after a disputable call by a referee in a match more than two weeks ago.

Now the Guoan has returned to the league but was punished.

CFA Deputy Chairman Yan Shiduo has pledged to take further measures to deepen the reforms in the field. Those measures include making financial affairs of the league known to the public.

(CRI October 21, 2004)